My dishwasher is always full….

There must be a perfect explanation why every time I open the dishwasher, it is full.  Not just full, but full full.  You would think I would be used to it by now, however, I seem to be baffled every time I open the door.  “Unbelievable” I involuntarily declare as I peruse my memory to recall the last time I ran the damn thing.  Ah, yes, just yesterday morning.  The first possible cause for the always full appliance: I am not an efficient loader.  After being together for over 14 years now, I find it comical that John will rearrange the dishes that I have previously loaded.  I think it is the technician in him; he strategically places the pieces in the dishwasher like putting together a puzzle.  Therefore, there is less vacant space and more dishes fit in to one load.

Second possible cause: We use too many dishes.  Instead of drinking from the same glass all day long, we may get a fresh one for dinner; instead of hand washing a gently used utensil, we throw it in the dishwasher.  Easy.

Last possible reason: We cook a lot more and dine out a lot less than we used to!  This is the explanation that I am leaning towards.  For various reasons, ranging from having a 15 month old son to tightening the financial belt buckle, we are trying to spend less money out.  The major advantage to this is that we love to cook.  John and I have both always looked at cooking as a challenge.  We love to learn new techniques, try new dishes, use new ingredients and take departures from our usual fare, a flavor excursion if you will.  For this reason, we often have a sink full of prep bowls, spatulas and plates.  And after all, isn’t that exactly what the dishwasher is for?